And install a bilge pump using a dimmer switch from a 1968 Ford Mustang.

After the Rocket was ready to go we loaded her up and headed to Town Lake for our first paddling lesson.

At first, West focused on teaching us how to steer and paddle in sync. (This was after running into a tree seconds after leaving the boat ramp).

After awhile we finally started to get the hang of it.

Overall, we ended up having a blast spending time with West and his family, as well as getting to know our boat a little better. She rides well, especially with all the adjustments we made this weekend. I hope that grin never leaves my face!

I'm sure West will tell you this, but especially since you are paddling a distance; try to open your hand when you are pushing the paddle forward, and close it around the paddle firmly only to pull it through the water. You don't have to fully extend, just release your grip so that your hands don't have to maintain a grip for hours. It will take a little getting used to, but your hands will thank you.

Also, hooray, hooray, hooray for the amazing journey ahead of you. I hope it's filled with wonderful sights, sounds, quiet moments on the water when you and your boat feel like one, and the dancing of light on the water. Some of my favorite memories come from my time in a kayak. :)

ned, how was your time on white rock lake sat? so sad em and i missed you!

cagridlock, west did tall to em and i about our hands ... but i need constant reminding of it as it does not feel natural at first. i also need to take some electrical tape and mark where my hands should be. my right kept slipping over time. any other tricks you have up your sleeve?

I always taught it to my classes by telling them to think of kneading dough. For whatever reason, thinking of it that way made it a lot easier for the brain to sync up with their hands. Or think of a way a cat kneads. As everything else becomes second nature it will get easier to pay attention to your hands.

Electrical tape is good, but remember that your skin is always more tender when damp and anything your hand rubs against long term can be bothersome. One of the guys I taught with marked his paddles with his with a line of epoxy so that when it dried he had a smooth, but tangible marker for when his hands had shifted.

From a more personal stand point, I always made sure to flex my feet and toes a great deal, but that could be because my legs would get antsy. Do make sure your shoulders stay back, open chest, plenty of room for lungs to do their job etc. The biggest trick, if I have any though, is to fall into it whole heartedly. There is something wonderful about being that in touch with the water. You're going to have such a phenomenal adventure!

You didn't miss me in Dallas last weekend. The boat was here in Shreveport but the gear to haul it on top of the car was in the garage in Dallas! Maybe in a couple of weeks. My son just bought a solo racing canoe - 22 feet long - that he'll be getting used to. So, there may be three of us out there. I'll let you know.Ned

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Tim and I have been married for 13 years. We like to dance in our jammers, sleep late in the biscuit, build forts, write each other letters, fly fish, and travel. We also have a little babe named Brave who smells mostly like breast milk and fabric softener. (more)